Enen no Shouboutai – 05

What is this show about?! Is it about the fire coming out of people’s limbs? Is it about an untold conspiracy? Is it about a higher power? No. Let me tell you what this show about. It’s about Lieutenant Hinawa’s bullets. You heard me. Why wait five episodes before showing us the best skill in the Tokyo Empire? He might be a difficult man to read but he’s got skills that make me weak in the knees.

No, but really. What a fantastic episode. The 8th Brigade is already diving neck deep into ‘investigating’ the other squadrons. Yes, Sister Iris nudged them a little but it was going to happen all the same. I just hadn’t realized their ‘investigation’ would look more like a failed Avengers plan rather than Sherlock Holmes’s deductions. I’m all for it though! We got to see Hinawa in action.

I’m ashamed to say that I thought I’d eventually get tired or less impressed by the animation of fire in this show but I was wrong. The thought will never cross my mind again. The animation and art style haven’t faltered which makes me love the series even more. The impressionist style in the flashbacks, or at times even during battle, gives me something to look forward to. It’s unexpected and jarring but feels satisfactory when, visually speaking, the style fits into the overall animation like a perfect jigsaw puzzle piece.

Moving onto the events in this episode. Did Sister Iris really think she could appeal to the crazy Hibana wench with just her words? She went in with absolutely no backup. Luckily for her, Shinra put two and two together. What great deduction skills. The execution of the plan, however, definitely wasn’t subtle. But I guess when one of your own is in danger, you use all the fire power you’ve got.

Watching Maki and Hinawa fight against rookie Kishiri Tora‘s (Kajiwara Gakuto) and his Backdraft Bubblish Gum ability had me a little concerned. Until Fire Force physics proved me wrong of course. Same goes for Arthur. I had to rewatch the entire battle to confirm he’d been wielding his sheath in his right hand. I get he’s meant to be the village idiot but this goes way past that. Also, he needs to train his left hand. What happens if he loses his right arm one day? I’m not ready to see him die.

Alright, moving on from my catastrophizing. So, the 5th’s Dr. Evil is creating Infernals so he can use them? For what purpose? Is their ultimate goal to rule the Tokyo Empire? To go up against Haijima Industries or to provide them with an army of Infernals? There is a lot going on here and I’m ready to find out. Bring on Friday…like, today.

Has anyone here read The Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian McClellan? Hinawa’s ability is nearly identical to the abilities of the titular Powder Mages in that series. Really fun series if anyone is looking for something to read btw.

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